Janhvi Kapoor is facing intense backlash following the release of Peddi, her latest Telugu film with Ram Charan. Critics and audiences have slammed her character portrayal, with many calling it oversexualized and poorly written—marking her second consecutive disappointment in Tollywood.
Legacy and Expectations
As the daughter of legendary actress Sridevi, Janhvi Kapoor carries the weight of her mother’s iconic legacy, particularly in Telugu cinema where Sridevi remains one of the biggest stars ever. Sridevi wasn’t just known for glamour but for delivering remarkable performances and carrying films on the strength of her screen presence and acting talent.
Janhvi made her Telugu debut alongside NTR in Devara, but her character was heavily criticized for being poorly written, lacking narrative purpose, and existing largely to add glamour to the film.
Peddi Character Sparks Controversy
When director Buchi Babu Sana cast Janhvi Kapoor in Peddi, many expected a breakthrough role. After all, Buchi Babu had previously written a strong female character for Krithi Shetty in Uppena. Fans hoped Janhvi would finally get a performance-oriented role with substantial screen presence.
However, following the film’s release on June 4, 2026, audiences were shocked by her characterization as Achiyamma. Critics have pointed out scenes where the camera focuses on her body while dialogue mentions facial features, along with problematic sequences that reinforced outdated portrayals of women. Many viewers questioned how such a female character could still be written in 2026.
The sports drama, which stars Ram Charan in the lead role and features music by A.R. Rahman, has received mixed reviews overall. While Ram Charan’s performance has been praised, Janhvi’s character has become one of the most discussed negatives of the film. Director Buchi Babu Sana has since addressed the backlash, acknowledging he hadn’t anticipated the negative reaction.
Future at Stake
With back-to-back disappointing characterizations in Telugu cinema, Janhvi Kapoor now faces increasing scrutiny over her role selections. Her next Telugu project could be crucial in determining whether she can establish a long-term career in the industry and overcome the perception that she’s failing to live up to her mother’s legacy.
